HC Deb 02 May 1974 vol 872 cc1314-6
Q1. Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Prime Minister when he next plans to pay an official visit to Scotland.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I am visiting Scotland on 5th May to attend a May Day rally in Glasgow. I have as yet no plans for any other visit.

Mr. Ewing

Is my right hon. Friend aware that with the election of a Labour Government the people of Scotland now have confidence in the future? When my right hon. Friend addresses the rally in Glasgow, on Sunday, will he assure his audience that the Offshore Supplies Office and the drilling technology centre promised by the Labour Party when we were in opposition, and a reality now that we are in Government, are only a start in the provision of new jobs, and that the North Sea oil industry will be used to provide permanent advantage to the economy of Scotland?

The Prime Minister

The answer to all parts of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is, "Yes, Sir."

Mr. Barry Henderson

When the Prime Minister comes to Scotland on 5th May, will he explain to Scottish local authorities and ratepayers why the cost of the reorganisation of local government in Scotland was not reflected in the rate support grant, as was the cost of local government reorganisation in England?

The Prime Minister

I have the feeling that the reorganisation of local government in Scotland was carried through by the previous Government.

Mr. Douglas Henderson

When the right hon. Gentleman is in Scotland on 5th May, will he learn from the Scottish TUC why it supports a Parliament in Scotland, whereas the Labour Party in Scotland is completely divided?

The Prime Minister

I cannot anticipate what I shall learn from the Scottish TUC.

Mr. David Steel

On a future occasion, will the right hon. Gentleman pay a visit to Scotland somewhere outside the central industrial belt?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I have often done so, and I hope to do so again many times as Prime Minister.

Mr. Monro

When the right hon. Gentleman visits Scotland, will he come to the countryside to talk to the farmers and listen to their advice about the current position of beef production? Will he then talk to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and take action in the interests of agriculture and the consumers in the long run?

The Prime Minister

I thought that responsibility for agriculture in Scotland was with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and not with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I cannot undertake to visit farming areas this weekend, but I know that my right hon. Friend and his colleagues are in the closest touch with the farmers of Scotland.